Thesis (LL.M.)--Victoria University of Wellington, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M. Soc. Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 1981.

To be fair and equitable are aims inherent in most legal systems, whether domestic or international, but are usually tacitly stated. With respect to foreign direct investment (FDI) they constitute a standard of treatment which lacks a clear definition. Nevertheless, the recurrence of this standard in conventional instruments makes it one of the focal points of this branch of international law. / The main goal of this thesis is to explore and understand the standard of fair and equitable treatment. To understand its definition, it is first necessary to undertake a theoretical analysis of the notion. Secondly, having assessed the general meaning to fair and equitable treatment, an attempt is made to assess the difficulties which have arisen from its incorporation in Chapter 11 of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Finally, the thesis tries to assess where the concept stands in international law and whether or not it has passed into the corpus of customary international law.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is a key element in achieving progress. In a world with increasing competition for capital, it is mandatory for countries to develop different mechanisms to attract FDI. Mexico is an example of a developing country that in recent years has greatly benefited from FDI. This trend results from this country's development of a number of mechanisms on both the domestic and the international scene promoting this type of investment. Along with the investment openings being fostered on the domestic scene, Mexico has been conducting international efforts to reach FDI objectives. It has entered into a number of Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) as well as Bilateral and Regional Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). The most important goals achieved by this country encouraging the reception of FDI are the preferential trade agreements signed with the two biggest markets in the world, North America and the European Union. Mexico's participation in the WTO represents one of its efforts to establish lateral ties to achieve its FDI objectives. The fact that there is a relationship between trade and investment has been established.

This study examined economic and government policies of South Africa on the one hand and that of Cameroon on the other hand. The focus was on specific periods after democratisation of both countries. For South Africa from 1994-2004 and for Cameroon from 1992-2004. Their comparatives economic strength in the face of foreign direct investment flow and the impact of government in attracting foreign direct investment was measured.

This thesis focuses on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Angola and on constraints encountered by investors. It discusses the new Investment Law, resulting from a comprehensive law reform in 2003, as well as investment incentives destined to attract FDI into the territory, furthermore: the legal definitions of FDI and of &ldquo / Investor&rdquo / the Angolan private international law / the main constraints (investment barriers) encountered by investors, after and before entering the Angolan territory / the legal protection afforded to investors, and some examples of FDI and their implications in Angola.<br /> <br /> The author also analyses investment and intra-trade within the Sub-Saharan region, Angola under modes 3 and 4 of GATS, and other aspects of foreign (as well as private) investment, including on what has been done and what should still be achieved under the SADC Trade, Finance and Investment Protocol from 2005 onwards. This analysis, it is hoped, will contribute to the better understanding of the implications and benefits of FDI in Angola, considering the recent increase of inflows of FDI, as well, as to what extent and how the Government should continue to control and direct, as well as encourage FDI. To conclude, the impact (positive -negative) of FDI in the Angolan society, economy and for the environment will be discussed. Together with the chapters describing the legal framework for FDI, these parts are intended to provide a better insight into the legal, economic and social background for investing and for doing business in Angola, and what type of protection investors can expect from the country, whilst information and academic materials on this subject matter continue to be scarce and difficult to access.

This research focused primarily on certain bilateral agreements as well as relevant multilateral agreements that govern the world's investment system. Attention is given to governance in the world of foreign direct investment and the aims and objectives of the integration initiative, as well as to the centrality of investment law in the scheme. The role of investment and the effect this have on the development of Africa is also a focal point of this paper. The central objective of the integration initiative is also looked at against the backdrop of investment-rating agencies and investment flows around the world.

The aim of this examination was to identify those evolving trends that are common to multilateral agreements some of which have been entered into by African developing countries, bearing in mind the debates and position of African developing countries. The study also aimed at examining the effects of these regulations on African countries especially with key provisions and the kinds of rights and obligations they confer on investors as well as the host country. As there is a need to create a balance between the interest of the host nation and the investor, the study also aimed at identifying if those evolving common trends can be used to establish a guideline for a standard bilateral investment treaty or on the other hand whether they can be used as a template for a multilateral agreement on investment.

Bibliography: leaves 361-378. / xxii, 378 leaves : ill., maps ; 30 cm. / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / A theoretical and empirical study of foreign direct investment (FDI) in China, focusing on the location determinants, the differences among source countries, and the impact on trade. The issues are analysed mainly within Dunning's "OLI" theoretical frame work for FDI, supplemented by theories of transactions costs and international trade. The evolution of China's FDI policies are analysed to provide a general policy background for the study of FDI in China. Shows that China's gradual reform approach has achieved substantial progress within a relatively short period. However, compared with APEC's investment-related principles, China's current FDI policy needs to be further improved, particularly in respect of transparency and national treatment. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Economics, 1998

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 2007. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 190-205).